Home Remedies for Varicose Veins

Can You Cure Varicose Veins?

There are several conservative therapy and management of vein insufficiency options to help with the symptoms associated with varicose veins. None of these methods will prevent or fix the underlying problem. There is no cure for varicose veins or venous insufficiency, once a vein is abnormal (fails to return blood to the heart in a timely fashion) it will always be abnormal. Fortunately, a vein specialist can do a full vein exam and painless duplex ultrasound to find out which veins are insufficient and to recommend treatment options to alleviate health risks and varicose vein pain.

Varicose Veins Home Treatment

• Compression stockings will help minimize symptoms particularly for those who spend a lot of time standing. All patients diagnosed with vein insufficiency are required to wear at least 20-30mmHg compression stockings for a minimum of 90 days prior to insurances approving any type of intervention. Compression stockings are strongly recommended for patients with venous disease who travel, either on a flight or drive over 3 hours. This helps to minimize the risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT), or a blood clot as a result of the underlying vein disease and lack of mobility.

• We know that when blood stops moving, it clots, so if you are sitting for a long time in one place, your risk of the blood pooling (venous reflux) and ceasing to flow increases significantly. This brings us to the second important conservative vein therapy – movement. Within your own parameters, be as active as possible, all day long. Take breaks from your desk job, go for a brief walk, or do leg exercises at your desk. This improves circulation, thereby minimizing the symptoms associated with vein problems. Elevating your legs whenever possible will help to decrease swelling in legs, leg fatigue, itching legs, etc.

• Finally, as with all other chronic health conditions, a sensible diet helps in a myriad of ways. Most importantly, stay well hydrated. Heat will affect varicose veins, especially in the summer in Arizona. Consuming at least 64 ounces of water a day, better yet a gallon of water a day, prevents dehydration and improves blood flow. In patients who are dehydrated, blood flow becomes sluggish, and we know slow blood flow increases the risk of clots.